An Andrews Labor Government will pilot a program for high-achieving tertiary students to mentor secondary school students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Opposition Leader Daniel Andrews visited Kananook Primary School in Seaford with Deputy Leader James Merlino, and myself, to announce Labor’s $1.6 million plan. Labor will fund 100 annual scholarships for high-achieving TAFE and university students to mentor young people from disadvantaged backgrounds. The pilot program, which will be coordinated through the Department of Education, is based on the successful PERACH program currently run in Israel. The $3000 scholarships will reduce students’ HELP debt. Labor will also provide $1 million to expand mentoring programs run by organisations working with disadvantaged youth. Eligible organisations will be able to apply for grants. Eligible organisations will include Jeanieboy Dream Catchers Netball Academy, founded by elite netballer Sarah Wall, which works with adolescent girls to teach healthy living and discourage risky decisions. I want to help every child make good decisions and work hard for their future. Our hardworking teachers and parents do so much to give kids a good start. Labor’s plan honours their work and gives them an extra hand. This is about finding those impressionable young people who need some direction and giving them a role model to learn from, every day.
Posted on: Mon, 24 Nov 2014 23:45:07 +0000
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